I started posting on HowieinSeattle in 11/04, following progressive American politics in the spirit of Howard Dean's effort to "Take Our Country Back." I decided to follow my heart and posted on seattleforbarackobama from 2/07 to 11/08.--"Howie Martin is the Abe Linkin' of progressive Seattle."--Michael Hood.

Does I-502 remove all criminal penalties for adults possessing one ounce or less of marijuana?

Some states may allow use of a medical marijuana recommendation from
Washington. Washington medical marijuana patients should check with
other states before traveling and comply with the laws in the other
state. Healthcare provider recommendations, ID cards, and other
documentation from other states are not legal in Washington.

I heard the current federal administration legalized medical marijuana (cannabis). Is that true?

No. U.S. Deputy Attorney General James Cole announced updated formal guidelines
for federal prosecutors in states that have laws allowing the use of
medical marijuana (cannabis). The guidelines do not legalize medical
marijuana (cannabis). The president directed federal prosecutors to
consider appropriate medical use when making criminal charging
decisions. The guidelines only provide direction for prosecutors when
reviewing medical marijuana (cannabis) cases.

How can I find out if I qualify to be a medical marijuana (cannabis) patient?

Talk to your healthcare provider. The law includes a very specific list of qualifying conditions
you must have before a doctor, physician assistant, advanced registered
nurse practitioner, or naturopath can recommend medical marijuana
(cannabis). In addition to those conditions in the law, chronic renal failure was added by petition in 2010.

Do I have to register with or obtain a card from the state?

No. If you are a qualifying patient with a valid written recommendation from your healthcare provider, that’s all you need.

What type of healthcare providers can recommend marijuana for qualifying conditions?

The following providers may recommend marijuana:

Medical doctors (MDs)

Physician assistants (PAs)

Osteopathic physicians (DOs)

Osteopathic physician assistants (OA)

Naturopathic physicians (ND)

Advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs)

Can a healthcare provider from another state recommend marijuana (cannabis) for me?

Not unless the provider is also licensed in Washington. The law says the healthcare provider must be licensed in Washington.

Can I get a list of providers in my area that will recommend marijuana?

The Department of Health doesn't have this information.

What is a valid written recommendation?

As of June 10, 2010, recommendations must be written on
tamper-resistant paper. They must include an original signature by the
healthcare provider, a date, and a statement that says in the healthcare
provider's professional opinion the patient may benefit from the
medical use of marijuana. The 2010 law change also prohibits the use of a
copy of the patient's medical records in lieu of a recommendation.

Is my recommendation still valid if it was written before June 10, 2010?

Yes. It is still valid unless your healthcare provider has included an expiration date.

Is my recommendation considered a prescription if it is written on tamper-resistant paper?

No. Healthcare providers cannot write prescriptions for medical
marijuana. They may only write recommendations that a patient has a
medical condition that would benefit from the medical use of marijuana.

How do I get medical marijuana (cannabis)? Can I buy it?

The law allows a qualifying patient or designated provider to grow
medical marijuana (cannabis). It is not legal to buy or sell it.

Are dispensaries legal?

No. The law does not allow dispensaries. The law only allows
qualifying patients and designated providers to possess medical
marijuana; the new law allows qualifying patients and designated
providers to participate in collective gardens.

How much medical marijuana (cannabis) can I have?

A qualifying patient or designated provider may have a 60-day supply
of medical marijuana. A 60-day supply is defined as 24 ounces and 15
plants under RCW 69.51A.040.
The law says that a patient may exceed these limits if he or she can
prove medical need. However, the law only allows for an affirmative
defense (and not protection from arrest or prosecution) if the limit is
exceeded and the patient is complying with the law.

How do I become a designated provider?

A designated provider must be at least 18 years old and must be
designated in writing by the qualifying patient. A designated provider
can only be a provider for one patient at any one time. Chapter 69.51A sets limitations on becoming a designated provider and ending a relationship as a designated provider.

Can I be a patient and a designated provider?

Yes.

Why are bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety not included in the list of qualifying conditions?

The Medical Quality Assurance Commission, in consultation with the
Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, has the authority to add
qualifying conditions to the current list. The commission has received
petitions to add these conditions to the list of qualifying conditions.
The commission has denied the requests, citing a lack of scientific
evidence supporting improved health outcomes from the use of medical
marijuana for those conditions. You can find the commission's and
board's decision on the latest petition in the Final Order.

How do I request to add a condition to the list of qualifying conditions?

Anyone may petition the commission to add a condition to the list. By
law, the commission will consult with the Board of Osteopathic Medicine
and Surgery. For more information about this process, you may contact
the commission at:

Marijuana possession is illegal in Washington. The medical marijuana law, Chapter 69.51A,
provides protection from arrest or other criminal sanctions for
qualified patients and designated caregivers who are complying with the
law. People who qualify have a valid reason to possess a 60-day supply
of marijuana. However, medical marijuana (cannabis) is not legal under
federal law. There is no protection for people who are arrested or
charged under federal law.

I have questions that the Department of Health
cannot answer. For example: Can I rent my house to a medical marijuana
(cannabis) patient? Do I have rights as a tenant? What about using
medical marijuana (cannabis) around children? Can I be fired from my job
if I use medical marijuana (cannabis)? How do I get help finding the
answers?